painting inspired by Ten-no-io

Ten-no-io is a one man play by the late Sunada Akira. Sunada based the play on a chapter of the same name in Ishimura Michiko's book KuGaiJouDo, Fish of Heaven in the book Paradise in the Sea of Sorrow.

Akira Sunada, a professional actor, lives in Minamata with the patients, earning his livelihood from organic farming. At the same time he has continued his mission, and through the presentation of his unique but traditional plays has told the story of Minamata and the disease patients to a large and varied audience. Through these activities people are reminded that this problem is still very much with us, and that there is a need for continued financial and moral support.